Exiles Call To Christian Conduct

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 1 Peter 3:8-12.

[Scripture introduction] Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, writes his letter to a group of spiritually displaced Christians living in their homeland. Yet their communities publicly ostracize and physically harass them. Perceiving their suffering and affliction for the gospel, Peter sends a word of comfort and exhortation during their time of distress.

In this section of Scripture we are about to read, the Word of God sheds light on our affliction. While we experience the world’s insults and wickedness, it is the exiles of faith who will bless and see good days ahead of them.

Hence, we have a divine reason to endure all suffering today for righteousness’ sake.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words on suffering for righteousness’ sake in 1 Peter 3:8-12.

[Prayer for illumination] Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen. "A Prayer of St. Chrysostom" in "Evening Prayer: Rite II" in The Book of Common Prayer (1979).

[Introduction] We live in a world that often rewards success, comfort, and self-preservation. The pursuit of happiness is a driving force in many lives, and suffering is something to be avoided at all costs. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to a different path—one that doesn’t always promise ease, but instead often involves hardship, resistance, and even suffering. This is especially true when we stand firm for righteousness' sake.

Jesus Himself made it clear in the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). The paradox of the Christian life is that in the midst of suffering, we find deep blessings.

To suffer for righteousness means to endure hardship not for wrongdoing, but for doing what is right in the eyes of God. It is the cost of living out our faith authentically in a world that often stands in opposition to the values of God’s kingdom. But why must we suffer for doing good? How can we endure such trials and still reflect the love and peace of Christ?

Today, we will explore the significance of suffering for righteousness’ sake, understanding that this suffering, though difficult, is never in vain. It draws us closer to Christ, refines our faith, and serves as a powerful testimony to the world. Through our suffering, God’s glory is revealed, and we, His people, are strengthened for the eternal reward that awaits.

However, before we dive into the 1 Peter, I want to reflect on what comes to your mind when you hear the words of “suffering for righteousness’ sake?” Do you imagine suffering for righteousness’ sake as synonymous with the crucifixion of Christ? Or as one who stands against injustices and are ridiculed and mocked for their positions? Or do you see it as persecuted Christians who undergo torturer and beatings because of their convictions about the truth.

Whatever comes to your mind about the topic. We are constantly reminded that we are exiles in this world and because of our heavenly status as sojourners we shouldn’t expect the world to treat us with love and respect, rather it is seeking opportunities to damage our witness for the gospel and abuse us when possible.

That is why we must ask ourselves this...

[FCF] How do I live out my calling as a Christian even during times of suffering for righteousness’ sake?

[Scripture bond] Which is why I call you eyes to return to 1 Peter 3:8-12 on how Christians are to live out their calling even during times of suffering for righteousness’ sake.

[Proposition] As exiles, we fulfill our calling by promoting harmony within the church, blessing our enemies, and practicing peacemaking.

[Main point 1] As exiles, we fulfill our calling by promoting harmony within the church.

[Explanation] Look to verse eight about the beginning of our calling, Peter speaks to exiles of Christ collectively, Finally, all of you (1 Peter 3:8). As the a community of exiles, sojourners, and strangers of this world, you must be unified together living in harmony as the single body of Christ.

This calling is summed not by our individual faith in Jesus Christ, but how we have been kited together by the grace of God into a living community who are traveling to the same place (heaven), experiencing the same trials and tribulations (hostility and persecution).

Therefore, we need each other on this journey of displacement in this world. For the heart of the matter is the church is a place of unity where saints come together in all things, so we can continue suffering for righteousness’ sake. You need your Christian brother and sister and their mind, compassion, love, forgiveness, and humility.

Another way to say it, is that the church is to be bound together.

[Illustration] Now, imagine this rope as the bond that unites us in Christ. Each volunteer represents a believer, holding on to the same rope, which symbolizes their shared faith.

"Be like-minded": If both people move in the same direction, the rope stays strong. But if one pulls away, unity is strained. This shows the importance of focusing on Christ together.

"Be sympathetic": (Have one volunteer pull on the rope.) When one person feels a burden, the other should respond gently, sharing that burden. Sympathy helps us remain connected.

"Love one another": Love keeps us holding on, even when it’s difficult. Without love, the connection breaks, but real love endures.

"Be compassionate and humble": Humility means standing side by side, not trying to dominate. Compassion keeps the rope intact, strengthening our bond.

[Application] If we hold on to the rope of faith with these virtues, our unity is unbreakable. We stay strong in Christ and support one another, no matter the challenges. This is the beginning of fulfilling our calling as exiles.

Next, we look the next verse as Peter speaks about fulfilling our calling.

[Main Point 2] As exiles, we fulfill our calling by blessing our enemies.

[Explanation] In verse nine, we see the heart of Christianity. The gospel of Christ not only addresses how to deal with evil but it goes against the grain of societal norms. When our enemies those who insult, mock, and making our lives a living nightmare. We are never called to get even, but rather imitate a Christ-like behavior and extend a blessing to them.

In other words, its not good enough to just not seek revenge, but you are to see your enemies as candidates that deserve your blessings. Paul teaches about the calling of Jesus in his letter to the Romans. He writes concerning nonretaliation in these words.

Romans 12:17–21 ESV

17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Even when the world seeks to inflict harm and tribulation on us for the causes of Christ. We will follow the calling of our God and bless them as Jesus as done for us through his death on the cross.

[Illustration] Imagine you work in a competitive corporate environment. There's a colleague who constantly undermines you—taking credit for your ideas, spreading rumors, and generally making your work life difficult. It’s easy to feel resentment or to want to retaliate.

However, as a follower of Christ, you remember Jesus' command to love your enemies and bless those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Instead of seeking revenge or harboring bitterness, you make a conscious decision to bless this person.

You start by praying for them daily. Not just praying that they change, but genuinely asking God to bless them in their career, family, and personal life. You also find ways to serve them at work—offering help on a project or sharing resources to make their job easier.

One day, you hear that this colleague is going through a tough time—perhaps a family illness or personal crisis. Rather than ignoring it, you reach out with a gesture of kindness, like a supportive message or offering to cover some of their tasks while they take time off.

Over time, your kindness begins to soften the tension. While the relationship may not transform overnight, your decision to bless them, rather than curse, demonstrates Christ-like love in a way that speaks louder than words.

[Application] In 2024, blessing your enemy might look like actively praying for those who hurt you, seeking opportunities to serve them, and choosing to respond with compassion rather than retaliation. This reflects the heart of Christ in a world that often teaches the opposite. In effect, we know that we are fulfilling our calling as exiles when we bless our enemies.

Lastly, we see the final way of fulfilling our calling as exiles of God.

[Main Point 3] As exiles, we fulfill our calling by practicing peacemaking.

[Explanation] Look at verses ten through twelve, Peter highlights another feature of the calling of the exiles of God. These men and woman who desire to love life and see good days, ultimately live contrary to evil and they seek peace and passionately pursue it.

Those who practice peacemaking know glorious news is God see us. His ears are attentive to us. But the face of the Lord is against who do evil. Their path is not guided through peacemaking, but rather their feet treads upon road of violence and destruction.

When the world continues to cause us suffering for righteousness’ sake. We can by the power of the gospel live peaceable lives because of what Christ has done for us - atoning for our sins, raising us to new life, calling us to home.

The calling to peacemaking is in our blood through the Lamb of God. Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

Therefore, we strive to reconcile others to Jesus through peaceable means. For God desires his saints to lead people to his Son so that they may have eternal life. To be a peacemaker is to be like the Son of God who made peace to mankind through his sacrifice. This is the kind of life we are to live.

[Application] The peaceable ways of the kingdom is to speak the truth in all situations and doing good to all. This ties into our calling to our church harmony and to our enemy blessing.

[Conclusion] What shall we do if suffering for righteousness’ sakes comes? We see it as a way to fulfill our calling which is this...

As exiles, we fulfill our calling by promoting harmony within the church, blessing our enemies, and practicing peacemaking.

Let live out our special calling as exiles by holding the rope of unity, extending grace to our enemies, and seeking peace inside and outside the household of God.

Fulfill your calling now and for all eternity. Amen.